If you do “journalling”….

[TheBolterdahling]

What do you write? Would anyone mind sharing examples. I feel like I’m quite a negative person and when I try this all the bad stuff I’m anxious about floods my brain! I think some concrete examples might help me focus.

I have 3 journals on the go but don’t use them all everyday. I have one that I wrote at least 1 thing I’m grateful for everyday. I have one that when I do sit down and write in a think of just a sentence then just let what ever comes into my head go on to the paper. I find that if I get it out of my head good or bad it helps me process it all easier.
I also have one that I write all negative thoughts I have about myself in. My rule for this one is for every negative thought I have to write a positive thought or comment someone has made to me. It does probably sound really silly but forcing myself to do it has helped to slowly change my thought patterns. I started this about 3 years ago when I was close to a mental breakdown and a councillor told me to use something called the parrot method. I found it easier to write it out as I could go back and read the positive things when my brain was stuck on a thought.

Try literally writing down everything in your head. Every single thought and worry. Don’t censor it or worry it sounds ridiculous or that it doesn’t make any sense. Just go until you have nothing left to write. Then shred/burn it, don’t worry about keeping it or anyone else reading it.

It really helped me during difficult times when my mind was constantly racing as it was no longer all stuck in my head. I only shared my thoughts on paper but that seemed to be enough to calm my brain down.

I don't know what 'doing journaling' us specifically, it with a bullet journal?

I write in my diary every evening, some of it positive, some of it negative, but it's stream of consciousness waffle and everything feels better out than in.

It doesn't have stickers, doodles, lists; it isn't pretty. I may miss a day or a week, but then get right back into it.

Perhaps you could start there. Or have a 'black book of shit' to channel all your negative thoughts into, then burn on December 31st?

Be free!

I have one for feelings, so I write- I feel scared because, I feel angry because, I feel resentful because ect. I wasn't very good at recognising my feelings and where they came from and would get overwhelmed with emotions rather than feelings.

Sometimes I spend 30 mins straight after waking. 30 mins continuous writing about anything that comes in to your head. The challenge is to write for 30 mins without censoring. Gets me back in the habit of journaling- I’ve kept a journal and off for 30 years or so now. Really good thing to do for MH. Helps you get in touch with your inner voice.

I use a website called 750 words. It does cost £4 a month, however it is available on any device, at anytime. It is completely private, password protected. You can just write to your hearts content! You can easily go back and read what you've written like a diary (although once that day ends you can no longer edit).

I started it as I had a particular issue I needed to get my head round and found that writing about it each day made it clearer in my mind. And actually that was a few years ago and I still write every day as there are always things going on....

@elQuintoConyo

I don't know what 'doing journaling' us specifically, it with a bullet journal?

I write in my diary every evening, some of it positive, some of it negative, but it's stream of consciousness waffle and everything feels better out than in.

It doesn't have stickers, doodles, lists; it isn't pretty. I may miss a day or a week, but then get right back into it.

Perhaps you could start there. Or have a 'black book of shit' to channel all your negative thoughts into, then burn on December 31st?

Be free!

I’m not quite sure either but I keep seeing people saying things like “I journal for my mental health” or “journalling helps me”!

I think I’m too scared to write down my dark thoughts .

Ok so one positive thing from yesterday. There was a bird in my house and I was flapping (as was the bird) but after 12 hours I got it out with the help of my kids and we felt like we’d all achieved something.
On the bad side my biggest customer sacked me again and I couldn’t even be bothered to call her to grovel again as I’m so fed up with her shit even though I should. What upset me was one of her rants was me taking annual leave.

Ok that did help a bit as now I wrote it down I see how ridiculous she is!

Noo OP wrote down your dark thoughts and then write that you release those thoughts/worries. Made a HUGE difference to me to get them out and get them away from me.